Former Regina Pats captain Adam Brooks is cherishing a signature moment in his hockey career.

It was announced Thursday that Brooks has signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, who picked him in the fourth round of last year’s NHL draft. The deal completes his transition from the WHL to the professional ranks, bringing him a step closer to his NHL dream.

“I was pretty shaky when I was signing the paper,” Brooks said with a laugh from his home in Winnipeg. “It was definitely exciting and pretty surreal. You talk about a lifetime of hard work. That’s what it was, not only by me but by my family as well. They sacrificed a lot in order for me to get to that point.”

Brooks doesn’t take those sacrifices lightly.

“You think about all the times that your parents rushed home from work to take you to hockey or set up rides for you,” he continued. “All the times they’d put you in camps or summer training, things like that. Now that (the contract) is done you get a chance to think about those things but you have to keep moving forward and create new memories and keep this hockey thing going as long as possible.”

As Brooks prepares to turn the page, he’s also looking back fondly at his time with the Pats. The 21-year-old centre spent his entire five-year WHL career with the club, concluding the journey on May 14 when Regina was eliminated by the Seattle Thunderbirds in the league final.

Although he has exhausted his WHL eligibility, Brooks left a lasting mark on the franchise as one of its most beloved players. He also etched his name among the team’s all-time leaders in several categories, including games played (ranked third with 317) and points (10th with 335).

Brooks was the league’s top scorer in 2015-16 with 120 points in 72 games. He upped that total to 130 in 66 games last season, finishing second in the WHL scoring race behind teammate Sam Steel (131 points in 66 games).

“The way that the Regina Pats have helped me develop is the reason I’m here,” said Brooks, who struggled in his first two WHL seasons but thrived after head coach/GM John Paddock arrived in 2014-15.

“All five years taught me a little bit about myself and taught me stuff about the game as well. Without the coaches, my teammates and everyone in that organization I wouldn’t be where I am today. Regina is a huge part of my life and always will be.”

Brooks admitted it’ll be “very weird” when he departs for Leafs’ camp this fall instead of packing up for the typical five-hour drive to Regina.

That said, he’s pleased to get the contract done and provide some clarity heading into his first pro season.

“In junior you know you’re going back every year,” he said. “That was the case for me last year when I went to camp (with Toronto). I knew no matter what happened I had a spot in Regina. Obviously that’s not possible anymore. I was kind of on the edge of my seat (waiting for the contract). Now I know I’m going to be playing in the organization somewhere, whether it be the AHL or the (ECHL). You never really know.”

Brooks should begin to get some sense of his place on the depth chart when he arrives in Toronto next week for the team’s summer development camp. It’ll also provide an opportunity to set the tone for rookie camp this fall with the hope of earning a spot in main camp.

“They probably have an idea of where they see me fitting,” he said. “Ultimately you want to go in and put your best foot forward and make a good impression. You’re their property for three years and you want to get off on the right foot.”

Thursday’s news was a good place to start.

“Ever since you’re a little kid you want to try to make your way into the NHL,” he added. “The first step is getting drafted and now this. There’s a lot of work that goes into taking more steps but I’m definitely excited to sign the contract.”

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